Clamp Locking Mechanism

ABSTRACT

A clamp release mechanism is provided. The clamp includes a body, a shaft slideably coupled to the body, a fixed jaw, and a moveable jaw coupled to the shaft. A locking component actuates between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the locking component biases the shaft to remain stationary with respect to the body. The clamp includes a securing component pivotally coupled to the locking component, and a biasing element that biases the securing components towards the shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of International ApplicationNo. PCT/US2021/059462, filed Nov. 16, 2021, which claims the benefit ofand priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/115,347, filed onNov. 18, 2020, each which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed generally to devices for securing anobject to a work piece. The present disclosure relates specifically to alocking mechanism for clamping devices and in particular to clampingdevices for holding a laser level.

Clamps are often used to couple a device, such as a laser level, to awork piece, such as a table. Often, the clamps include a mechanism tocouple and release the clamp from the work piece.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a laser level systemincluding a laser level and a clamp. The laser level is configured toemit a laser at a predetermined orientation with respect to gravity. Theclamp includes a coupling interface configured to couple to the laserlevel, a body coupled to the coupling interface, a shaft extending alonga first axis, a fixed jaw extending from the body, a movable jaw coupledto an end of the shaft, a locking component configured to interface withthe shaft, a securing component pivotally coupled to the lockingcomponent, and a biasing element that biases the securing componenttowards the shaft. The shaft is slidably coupled to the body andconfigured to slide along the first axis with respect to the body. Themovable jaw is configured to slide along the first axis closer to andfurther from the fixed jaw. The locking component is configured toactuate between a locked position and an unlocked position. When thelocking component is in the locked position the locking componentinterfaces with the shaft to bias the shaft to remain stationary withrespect to the body, and when the locking component is in the unlockedposition the locking component does not interface with the shaft. Thesecuring component is configured to actuate circumferentially around theshaft.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a clamp. The clampincludes a body including a recess including a first end and a secondend, a shaft extending along a first axis, a coupling interface coupledto the body, a fixed jaw extending from the body, a movable jaw coupledto an end of the shaft, and a locking component configured to interfacewith the shaft. The shaft is configured to slide along the first axiswith respect to the body. The coupling interface includes a platformthat extends away from the shaft perpendicular to the first axis, andthe platform is configured to couple to a laser level. The movable jawis configured to slide along the first axis closer to and further fromthe fixed jaw. The locking component is configured to actuate between alocked position and an unlocked position. When the locking component isin the locked position, the locking component interfaces with the shaftto bias the shaft to remain stationary with respect to the body. Whenthe locking component is in the unlocked position, the locking componentdoes not interface with the shaft. The locking component includes aprojection that extends within the recess. When the projection islocated at the first end the locking component is in the lockedposition, and when the projection is located at the second end thelocking component is in the unlocked position.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a clamp. The clampincludes a coupling interface configured to rotatably couple to a laserlevel such that the laser level rotates with respect to the couplinginterface about a first axis, a body coupled to the coupling interface,a shaft extending along a second axis, a fixed jaw coupled to the body,a movable jaw coupled to the shaft, a locking component configured tointerface with the shaft, and a securing component pivotally coupled tothe locking component. The shaft is slideably coupled to the body andconfigured to slide along the second axis with respect to the body. Thelocking component is configured to actuate between a locked position andan unlocked position. When the locking component is in the lockedposition, the locking component interfaces with the shaft to bias theshaft to remain stationary with respect to the body. The securingcomponent is configured to actuate circumferentially in a firstdirection when the locking component is transitioning from the lockedposition to the unlocked position, and the securing component isconfigured to actuate circumferentially in a second direction oppositethe first direction when the locking component is transitioning from theunlocked position to the locked position.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a clamp including a body,a shaft extending along an axis, the shaft slideably coupled to the bodyand configured to slide along the axis with respect to the body, a firstjaw extending from the body, a movable jaw coupled to an end of theshaft, the movable jaw configured to actuate with respect to the bodyalong the axis closer to and further from the first jaw, a lockingcomponent configured to interface with the shaft, a securing componentpivotally coupled to the locking component, and a biasing element thatbiases the securing component towards the shaft. The locking componentis configured to actuate between a locked position and an unlockedposition. When the locking component is in the locked position, thelocking component interfaces with the shaft to bias the shaft to remainstationary with respect to the body. When the locking component is inthe unlocked position, the locking component does not interface with theshaft. The securing component is configured to actuate circumferentiallyaround the shaft.

In various embodiments, biasing element includes a magnet. In variousembodiments, the shaft includes a threaded outer surface and the lockingcomponent includes a threaded inner surface that interfaces with thethreaded outer surface of the shaft. In various embodiments, thethreaded outer surface of the shaft and the threaded outer surface ofthe locking component are helical.

In various embodiments, the body includes a recess that receives aprojection extending from the locking component. In various embodiments,the recess includes a first end and a second end. When the projection islocated at the first end the locking component is in the lockedposition, and when the projection is located at the second end thelocking component is in the unlocked position. In various embodiments,the first end is a first distance from the axis and the second end is asecond distance from the axis greater than the first distance. Invarious embodiments, the recess includes a first portion and a secondportion. When the projection is located in the first portion the lockingcomponent is in the locked position, and when the projection is locatedin the second portion the locking component is in the unlocked position.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the description or recognized bypracticing the embodiments as described in the written descriptionincluded, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood thatboth the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understandingand are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Thedrawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles and operation of the variousembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This application will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamp coupled to a tool and a workpiece, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a ghost perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 1, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a ghost perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 1, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a detailed ghost perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of various components of the clamp of FIG.1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a clamp, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, an embodiment of a clamp lockingmechanism is shown. Clamps are often used to couple pieces of equipmentto work pieces. For example, a clamp may be used to couple a laser levelto a table. The present application provides a locking mechanism for aclamp that is easy to lock and unlock, and which operates effectivelywhen the clamp is in any orientation.

The clamp includes a shaft coupled to a moveable jaw. The moveable jawcan be actuated towards and away from a fixed jaw to couple and decouplethe clamp from a work piece, such as a table. The clamp includes alocking component that interfaces with the shaft to secure the shaft inposition relative to the body of the clamp. The clamp also includes asecuring component pivotally coupled to the locking component. A biasingelement, such as a magnet, biases the securing component to interfaceagainst the shaft. The biasing element maintains the securing componentagainst the shaft so that the clamp locking mechanism works independentof the orientation of the clamp.

The locking component includes a projection that slides along a recessin the body. In use, when the shaft is rotated clockwise, the securingcomponent rotates around the shaft in the clockwise direction, whichpulls the locking component in the clockwise direction. As will beexplained, clockwise rotation of the locking component actuates thelocking component to interface against the shaft. In a specificembodiment, the shaft includes a threaded outer surface and the lockingcomponent includes a threaded inner surface so that when the shaft andlocking component are interfacing the locking component prevents theshaft from sliding with respect to the body. When the shaft is rotatedcounter-clockwise, the securing component and locking component alsorotate counter-clockwise. Counter-clockwise rotation of the lockingcomponent actuates the locking component away from the shaft, therebyallowing the shaft to slide with respect to the body.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a laser level system 6 is shown according to anexemplary embodiment. The laser level system 6 includes a securingdevice, shown as clamp 10, and an orientation measuring device, shown aslaser level 8, configured to emit a laser at a predetermined orientationwith respect to gravity. Clamp 10 includes a coupling interface 13coupled to body 12 and that is configured to couple to laser level 8,such as via being configured to rotatably couple to a laser level 8 suchthat the laser level 8 rotates with respect to the coupling interface 13about a first axis 9. Clamp 10 includes body 12, shaft 14, a first jaw,shown as fixed jaw 18, and moveable jaw 20. In various embodiments fixedjaw 18 extends from body 12. Shaft 14 is slidably coupled to body 12 andextends along axis 16. Shaft 14 slides with respect to body 12 alongaxis 16. Coupling platform 15 is configured to couple to laser level 8.In various embodiments, laser level 8 is coupled to coupling platform 15and laser level 8 is configured to rotate with respect to body 12 aboutaxis 9 perpendicular to axis 16. In various embodiments, and couplingplatform 15 extends from body 12 in a direction perpendicular to axis16. Inner end 22 of shaft 14 is coupled to moveable jaw 20, and outerend 24 of shaft 14 is coupled to handle 26. In various embodiments,movable jaw 20 is configured to slide along the axis 16 closer to andfurther from the fixed jaw 18. In use, clamp 10 can be used to securetools, equipment, and/or objects, shown as laser level 80, to a workpiece, shown as table 82.

Locking component 30 is pivotally coupled to securing component 34 andpivots around axis 36 with respect to securing component 34. Lockingcomponent 30 is configured to interface with the shaft 14. Lockingcomponent 30 is configured to actuate between a locked position and anunlocked position. When the locking component 30 is in the lockedposition the locking component 30 interfaces with the shaft 14 to biasthe shaft 14 to remain stationary with respect to the body 12 , and whenthe locking component 30 is in the unlocked position the lockingcomponent 30 does not interface with the shaft 14. Securing component 34is pivotally coupled to locking component 30 such that securingcomponent 34 pivots with respect to locking component 30 around axis 36.Stated another way, locking component 30 around axis 36 with respect tosecuring component 34. In various embodiments axis 36 is parallel toaxis 16. Securing component 34 is configured to acuate circumferentiallyaround the shaft 14. A biasing element, shown as magnet 38, biasessecuring component 34 towards shaft 14 (e.g., because shaft 14 is formedfrom a ferrous metal). In a specific embodiment, securing component 34interfaces against outer surface 28 of shaft 14. In other embodiments,the biasing element is a spring that biases securing component 34towards shaft 14. Magnet 38 maintains securing component 34 against theshaft 14 so that locking component 30 interfaces against shaft 14independent of the orientation of clamp 10.

In use, a user manipulates handle 26 to rotate shaft 14 to actuatelocking component 30 between an unlocked position (FIG. 2) and a lockedposition (FIG. 3). To move locking component 30 into the lockedposition, a user rotates handle 26 in clockwise direction 56. In aspecific embodiment, friction between securing component 34 and shaft 14exerts a force against securing component 34 to also rotate in clockwisedirection 56. Because locking component 30 and securing component 34 arepivotally coupled, securing component 34 rotating in clockwise direction56 pulls locking component 30 to also rotate in clockwise direction 56.As will be explained below, locking component 30 rotating in clockwisedirection 56 engages locking component 30 against shaft 14 so that innersurface 32 of locking component 30 interfaces against outer surface 28of shaft 14.

In a specific embodiment, outer surface 28 of shaft 14 and inner surface32 of locking component 30 each include a threaded configuration thatinterface against each other. In a specific embodiment, the threadedconfiguration of each of outer surface 28 of shaft 14 and inner surface32 of locking component 30 is helical, in which case shaft 24 has ahelical threaded outer surface 28 and locking component 30 has a helicalthreaded inner surface 32. For example, in various embodiments shaft 14comprises a helical thread that interfaces against the inner surface 58of the securing component 34. In various embodiments the inner surface58 of securing component 34 comprises a flat surface, such as a curvedor planar surface without protrusions or threads, that interfacesagainst shaft 14. In various embodiments, securing component 34 isconfigured to actuate circumferentially in a first direction 56 when thelocking component 30 is transitioning from the locked position to theunlocked position, and the securing component 34 is configured toactuate circumferentially in a second direction opposite the firstdirection 56 when the locking component 30 is transitioning from theunlocked position to the locked position.

Referring to FIG. 4-7, various aspects of clamp 10 are shown. Body 12 ofclamp 10 includes a groove or recess 42. Protrusion 40 extends fromlocking component 30 and extends within recess 42. In variousembodiments locking component 30 includes protrusion 40.

In a specific embodiment, recess 42 includes an S-shape. As lockingcomponent 30 rotates in clockwise direction 56, the interface betweenprotrusion 40 and the shape of recess 42 pivot locking component 30towards shaft 14 until locking component 30 and shaft 14 areinterfacing. When locking component 30 is rotated in a counter-clockwisedirection opposite direction 56, locking component 30 pivots away shaft14 until locking component 30 and shaft 14 are not interfacing.

In a specific embodiment, when locking component 30 is in the lockedposition, locking component 30 interfaces with shaft 14 thereby biasingshaft 14 to not slide with respect to body 12. In a specific embodiment,when locking component 30 is in the unlocked position, locking component30 does not interface with shaft 14.

Turning to FIG. 6, recess 42 includes a first end 44 and an opposingsecond end 46. First end 44 is a first distance 48 from axis 16 of shaft14, and second end 46 is second distance 50 from axis 16 greater thanfirst distance 48. When protrusion 40 is located at and/or near firstend 44 of recess 42, locking component 30 is in the locked position.When protrusion 40 is located at and/or near second end 46 of recess 42,locking component 30 is in the unlocked position. Locking component 30extends distance 37 from shaft 14. Distance 37 between locking component30 and shaft 14 varies as locking component 30 actuates between thelocked position, when distance 37 is zero in various embodiments, andwhen locking component 30 is in the unlocked position, when distance 37is greater than zero in various embodiments.

Similarly, when protrusion 40 is within first portion 52 of recess 42,locking component 30 is in the locked position. When protrusion 40 iswithin second portion 54 of recess 42, locking component 30 is in theunlocked position. In various embodiments, the engagement betweenprotrusion 40 and recess 42 provides for precise movement between lockedand unlocked positions and acts to stabilize locking component 30 withinthe housing during operation of the clamping mechanism.

In various embodiments securing component 34 includes an inner surface58 that interfaces against shaft 14. In a specific embodiment, innersurface 58 of securing component 34 is a flat surface. As a result,shaft 14 can slide along axis 16 with respect to body 12 if sufficientforce is exerted on shaft 14 to overcome friction between securingcomponent 34 and shaft 14.

In a specific embodiment, locking component 30 includes projection 64.In a specific embodiment projection 64 is axially aligned with andextending away from protrusion 40. The interface between projection 64and recess 62 is similar to the interface between protrusion 40 andrecess 42

FIG. 8 shows a clamp 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Clamp 100is substantially the same as clamp 10 except for the differencesdiscussed herein. Clamp 100 has a fixed jaw 118 and moveable jaw 120.Fixed jaw 118 has an outer surface 122 that is angled inward towardmoveable jaw 120. Moveable jaw 120 includes a rear surface with aplurality of open cells 124. Fixed jaw 118 includes two recesses, shownas channels 126, that are shaped and positioned to receive projections130 of moveable jaw 120. In various embodiments, one of the fixed jaw118 and the movable jaw 120 includes a recess, shown as channel 126, andthe other of the fixed jaw 118 and the movable jaw 120 includes aprojection 130 received within the recess, shown as channel 126.

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for description purposes only andshould not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Someelements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logicalalgorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according toalternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intendedthat any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, thearticle “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, andis not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein,“rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a mannersuch that the components move together in a fixed positionalrelationship when acted upon by a force.

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of anyof the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed inthis or future applications. Any of the features, elements or componentsof any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilizedalone or in combination with any of the features, elements or componentsof any of the other embodiments discussed above.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining oftwo components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining maybe stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may beachieved with the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another orwith the two members or the two members and any additional member beingattached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature oralternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

While the current application recites particular combinations offeatures in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of theinvention relate to any combination of any of the features describedherein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and anysuch combination of features may be claimed in this or futureapplications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of theexemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or incombination with any of the features, elements, or components of any ofthe other embodiments discussed above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A laser level system including: a laser levelconfigured to emit a laser at a predetermined orientation with respectto gravity; and a clamp comprising: a coupling interface configured tocouple to the laser level; a body coupled to the coupling interface; ashaft extending along a first axis, the shaft slidably coupled to thebody and configured to slide along the first axis with respect to thebody; a fixed jaw extending from the body; a movable jaw coupled to anend of the shaft, the movable jaw configured to slide along the firstaxis closer to and further from the fixed jaw; a locking componentconfigured to interface with the shaft, the locking component configuredto actuate between a locked position and an unlocked position, whereinwhen the locking component is in the locked position the lockingcomponent interfaces with the shaft to bias the shaft to remainstationary with respect to the body, and wherein when the lockingcomponent is in the unlocked position the locking component does notinterface with the shaft; a securing component pivotally coupled to thelocking component, wherein the securing component is configured toactuate circumferentially around the shaft; and a biasing element thatbiases the securing component towards the shaft.
 2. The laser levelsystem of claim 1, the locking component pivots with respect to thesecuring component about a second axis parallel to the first axis. 3.The laser level system of claim 1, wherein the biasing element comprisesa magnet.
 4. The laser level system of claim 1, the securing componentcomprises an inner surface that interfaces against the shaft.
 5. Thelaser level system of claim 4, the shaft comprises a helical thread thatinterfaces against the inner surface of the securing component.
 6. Thelaser level system of claim 5, the inner surface of the securingcomponent comprises a flat surface.
 7. The laser level system of claim1, the shaft comprises a threaded outer surface and the lockingcomponent comprises a threaded inner surface that interfaces with thethreaded outer surface of the shaft.
 8. The laser level system of claim7, wherein the threaded outer surface of the shaft and the threadedinner surface of the locking component are each helical.
 9. The laserlevel system of claim 1, wherein one of the fixed jaw and the movablejaw comprises a recess, and wherein the other of the fixed jaw and themovable jaw comprises a projection received within the recess.
 10. Thelaser level system of claim 1, wherein the laser level rotates withrespect to the body about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.11. The laser level system of claim 10, the coupling interfacecomprising a platform that extends away from the shaft perpendicular tothe first axis, wherein the platform is configured to couple to thelaser level.
 12. A clamp comprising: a body comprising a recesscomprising a first end and a second end; a shaft extending along a firstaxis, the shaft configured to slide along the first axis with respect tothe body; a coupling interface coupled to the body, the couplinginterface comprising a platform that extends away from the shaftperpendicular to the first axis, the platform configured to couple to alaser level; a fixed jaw extending from the body; a movable jaw coupledto an end of the shaft, the movable jaw configured to slide along thefirst axis closer to and further from the fixed jaw; and a lockingcomponent configured to interface with the shaft, the locking componentconfigured to actuate between a locked position and an unlockedposition, wherein when the locking component is in the locked positionthe locking component interfaces with the shaft to bias the shaft toremain stationary with respect to the body, and wherein when the lockingcomponent is in the unlocked position the locking component does notinterface with the shaft, the locking component comprising a projectionthat extends within the recess, when the projection is located at thefirst end the locking component is in the locked position, and when theprojection is located at the second end the locking component is in theunlocked position.
 13. The clamp of claim 12, further comprising: asecuring component coupled to the locking component, the securingcomponent interfacing against the shaft; and a biasing element thatbiases the securing component towards the shaft.
 14. The clamp of claim13, wherein the securing component is configured to actuatecircumferentially around the shaft
 15. The clamp of claim 13, thelocking component pivots with respect to the securing component about asecond axis parallel to the first axis.
 16. The clamp of claim 12,wherein the laser level rotates with respect to the body about a secondaxis perpendicular to the first axis.
 17. A clamp comprising: a couplinginterface configured to rotatably couple to a laser level such that thelaser level rotates with respect to the coupling interface about a firstaxis; a body coupled to the coupling interface; a shaft extending alonga second axis, the shaft slideably coupled to the body and configured toslide along the second axis with respect to the body; a fixed jawcoupled to the body; a movable jaw coupled to the shaft; a lockingcomponent configured to interface with the shaft, the locking componentconfigured to actuate between a locked position and an unlockedposition, wherein when the locking component is in the locked positionthe locking component interfaces with the shaft to bias the shaft toremain stationary with respect to the body; and a securing componentpivotally coupled to the locking component, wherein the securingcomponent is configured to actuate circumferentially in a firstdirection when the locking component is transitioning from the lockedposition to the unlocked position, and wherein the securing component isconfigured to actuate circumferentially in a second direction oppositethe first direction when the locking component is transitioning from theunlocked position to the locked position.
 18. The clamp of claim 17, thelocking component pivots with respect to the securing component about athird axis parallel to the second axis that the shaft extends along. 19.The clamp of claim 17, the shaft comprises a helical threaded outersurface and the locking component comprises a helical threaded innersurface that interfaces with the helical threaded outer surface of theshaft.
 20. The clamp of claim 17, further comprising a magnet thatbiases the securing component towards the shaft.